he did a good job four years ago with john mccain. on the other hand, i think that mitt romney does a good job in format also. he's had a number of town hall meetings. both the republican primary and since. but he should expect president obama to be an effective communique' tore in a town hall type of setting. >> are you disappointed you won't be there? you came so close. >> no, no. i'm fortunate to be in the united states senate. i never thought i'd get there. it's a critical time for our country and one thing that came out tonight that was probably as important as the policy discussions is the fact that we need to figure out how to find the same ground. i think governor romney understands you got to find solutions. >> senator portman, thainch. >> good luck. >> thank you. >> all right, thanks to lawrence o'donnell for that great interview with senator rob portman, a sparring partner and an effective one. >>> previewing tomorrow's headlines, how will they cast round one of romney/obama. msnbc's live coverage of the first presidential